Page 47 of The Dirty Saint

My opponent laughs.

“I said, did your time in captivity not—”

Without being able to finish his sentence, I sucker punch Max in the head as hard as I can, watching as he falls straight to the floor.

I stick my foot on his scalp and press down.

“You don’t knowanythingabout what happened to me, you sad sack of shit.”

I press harder, and he grunts.

“So stop acting as if you do.”

I release him.

“And by the way, if you’re going to bring people to cheer you on, make sure you’re worth it.”

Max sits up, propped on his elbow.

“Iwilldefeat you, Ezra Maya,” he shouts in my direction.

“Yeah. Yeah. That’s what they all say,” I throw back.

And look where it’s gotten them.

“Max, get up,” The woman yells. “Getup!”

A muffled groan escapes him.

“Show her who’s boss, Max! She’s a littlebitch. Kick her ass.”

So much for women supporting women.

“Hey, lady,” I holler. “Do you want to get in this ring? I’ll show you up just like I did your man.”

She doesn’t say anything further.

Smart.

I only have so much energy for stupid people. Myself included.

“Did youreallyknock a guy out at the gym,” Aurelia asks.

I nod.

“I also threatened to knock his girlfriend out, too, but she was intelligent enough not to pursue that.”

Briggs looks at me while Aurelia rolls her eyes.

“Ez, you really aren’t being very smart. I mean, you were only rescued a week ago.”

“Lia, that isn’t fair,” Briggs chimes in. “Ezra is doing the best she can.”

“I understand that, but as her family, we need to be able to have a mature conversation with her about the decisions she’s making.”

I throw my hands up. “I’m right here. Why are you acting as if I’m not?”

“Ez—”

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